Free us to be free –
Because so much progress
Has been blind to our beauty
Because so much advice
Has been deaf to our song
Because we will only be free
When we take responsibility
For ourselves
Free us to be free –
Because so many leaders
Have been corrupted by power
Because so many followers
Have been weakened by need
Because we will only be free
When we write the history
Of our people
Free us to be free –
Because we are out of sync
With the beat of the world
Because we are out of step
With the march of civilization
Because we will only be free
When we dance the melody
Of our land
Free us to be free –
Because too many problems
Began as gifts from others
Because too many solutions
Have not been home grown
Because we will only be free
When we follow the decree
Of our hearts
So if you really care
As much as you say
Pray, let us go
To find our own way
Free us to be free –
Free to fly the nest of ideology
Free to fight for the dreams
Of our children
Wayne Visser © 2017
Book
I Am An African: Favourite Africa Poems
This creative collection, now in its 5th edition, brings together Africa poems by Wayne Visser, including the ever popular “I Am An African”, as well as old favourites like “Women of Africa”, “I Know A Place in Africa”, “Prayer for Africa” and “African Dream”. The anthology celebrates the luminous continent and its rainbow people. The updated 5th Edition includes new poems like “Africa Untamed” and “Land of the Sun”. Buy the paper book / Buy the e-book.
